Bookshop's Favorite Graphic Novels for Kids

Here’s the school trip to Europe that I dreamt about, complete with a visit to the Louvre, a home stay in Germany, and a free day in London. That’s the backdrop anyway, but this story is really about all the firsts for young Dan in the summer before high school, when he ventures away from home and tries on the best version of himself. The postcard-perfect illustrations simultaneously capture the sights and the full-range of emotions from all the kids.

—Michelle

Towering Treeheart has been the seat of power for kid kings of legend, but none have faced such a ferocious foe as grim Mr. Grindle. Determined to be the downfall of all fun, he wields a powerful pointer able to adultify a child with one tenacious touch. Enter brave Bea Wolf, who may just be a match for the nefarious neighbor. Told in alliterative language and highlighted with excellent line drawings, this retelling of Beowulf is sure to delight even the uninitiated. A terrific triumph! 

—Ivy

Kindness and courage. In this compelling sequel to the book Wonder, eleven-year-old Julien listens to his grandmother Sara’s story of surviving the Holocaust. Sara tells Julien how she contributed to the bullying of a boy in school, and how this boy ended up saving her from the Nazis during the French occupation. A moving introduction to the Holocaust for grades 5-8. The movie version comes out this year starring Helen Mirren as Grandmére! -Noreen

The world's most beautiful graphic novel about the world's most relatable need: belonging. Shaun Tan's classic work follows an immigrant in a new country, unlike any the reader will ever have seen before, as he learns its inscrutable language and confusing rules in order to navigate the workforce and feed his family back home. My go-to for a feel good, gorgeously illustrated, and deeply human book where any reader can find their home. -Yves

Drago, a kid vampire, has been living a life of bliss alongside their two friends—until their old master returns and asks them to find her spellbook or they’ll be turned into worms! Throughout the graphic novel we get glimpses of each of the character’s origin stories intertwined with their thrilling adventure in search of the book. Perfect for fans of humorous graphic novels with spooky elements and the power of friendship.-Andrea

I was transfixed by both the art and story in this beautifully unique graphic novel. Sandy spends every night turning the nightlights in her room into drawings, but things take a turn when a strange new girl shows up at school with an intense and sinister interest in them… With gorgeous art and a spine-chilling story, this graphic novel has stuck with me long after I finished it. - Alana

During a vacation with her beloved Lao Lao (maternal grandmother), a young child finds a flamingo feather, sparking a magical story from her grandmother about a little girl who raised a flamingo. After she returns home, the girl is inspired to create a gift for her grandmother. Told mostly through beautiful illustrations, this intergenerational story feels like a hug from a loved one. Read it with a child who is missing someone dear and motivated to renew their connection.

—KAILEY JO

From the creator of Narwhal and Jelly, this new graphic novel series brings the potato puns and tater schtick to keep you in peals of laughter. A great match for families trying to bring some levity to sibling rivalry, this tale about spud siblings will remind the small fries in your home that a dash of silliness makes for better ways and happier days. 
—JENNY

Frizzy is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel for anyone who has ever had to justify their own appearance. I instantly connected with Marlene’s challenge in trying to be herself amidst a whirlwind of adults, peers, and family members pressuring her to conform. I reveled in all of her successes as she learned to stand up for herself, and I couldn’t put the book down until I knew she’d be okay.

—YVES

Tauhid Bondia’s Kevin and Miles spring to life with hijinks that are sometimes a four-panel joke, sometimes famed exploits. The adventures of these two kids involve school and family, imagined and real-life (mild) danger, and the bonds of friendship, which are tested but never broken. Bondia draws and writes in the tradition of Foxtrot and Calvin and Hobbes, building stories you can read for just a minute or for hours. Great for any kid looking for something fast, fun, and real.

—JOCELYN